How to Buy a TV Tuner Card for a Computer

A TV tuner card lets you view and record TV programs on your computer screen, using the computer much like a VCR or DVD player. There are several brands and versions of TV tuner cards. Here’s how you can buy a good TV tuner card for your computer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Look for important features before buying. Find out if there is a single-chip video decoder and an MPEG-encoder solution that delivers high-quality TV and DVD image quality. Also look for FM radio, number of ports, A/V connections and the facility of remote control.
2. Consider the brand, model, connectors and operating system compatibility before buying the TV tuner card. If you are also seeking the video or editing function, look at the Video Card Interface type.
3. Check if relevant video-recording software is provided along with the card. In case of a Windows XP Media Center PC, you would not need additional software. However, in such a case you would have to check the card’s compatibility with the Media Center PC.
4. Learn more about the features and prices of various TV tuner cards by referring to online buyers’ guides. Browse through reviews and compare pricing. Some popular buyers’ guides are NexTag, Windows Marketplace, MySimon, BizRate and Epinions (See links below).
5. Browse through blogs and tech-discussion forums. These are good avenues for gathering more information on features, trends and other insights on TV tuner cards.
6. Plan your budget. Select the best TV tuner card that suits your requirements and budget.
7. Buy a TV tuner card after comparing prices in different stores online and offline. Search for online vendors using search engines like Google or Yahoo!. Browse through popular online stores such as CompUSA, Best Buy and Circuit City (see links below).

Tips & Warnings

• Check the warranty period before buying.
• Find out more about TV tuner cards from your friends and colleagues, if they are using one.
• Read the customer feedback of the product from magazines, blogs, discussion forums and online buyers’ guides.

Who Can Help:

• Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.